Riccardo Calafiori made a seamless return to Arsenal’s starting lineup in their commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. The left-back had been out of action for a month due to injury, missing six matches in all competitions. During his absence, Arsenal had to navigate crucial fixtures, including Champions League action against Inter and an EFL Cup clash with Preston North End.
The Italy international was also overlooked for national duty during this period, missing Italy’s Nations League games under Luciano Spalletti. Calafiori’s return to domestic football, however, was marked by an assured performance that helped Arsenal maintain a clean sheet and secure a crucial three points.
Defensive Stability and Tactical Battle
Slotting back into the starting XI, the 22-year-old was tasked with shutting down Anthony Elanga, a pacey forward and a key threat for Nottingham Forest. Despite a few bright moments from the former Manchester United attacker, Calafiori stood firm, emerging as the more effective player in their one-on-one encounters. His composure and positional awareness were evident throughout the match.
After 66 minutes of solid work on the pitch, Calafiori was replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko. By the time of the substitution, Arsenal had already built a 2-0 lead, allowing Mikel Arteta the flexibility to rotate and preserve his squad’s fitness.
Arsenal’s Historic Achievement
This match carried additional significance for Arsenal as it marked their 2,000th victory in top-flight competition — a milestone few clubs in English football have achieved. The Gunners showcased their dominance with a commanding display, further underlining their ambitions this season.
Calafiori’s return not only bolstered Arsenal’s defensive line but also highlighted the depth and quality Arteta has at his disposal. With the left-back back to full fitness, Arsenal’s outlook appears even stronger as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
